How to be human

by Rod Smith

Allow yourself to experience your emotions – even the extremes. Don’t cover or hide from your grief. If you are feeling joy, express it. Avoid constructing a wall or barrier between you and your emotions. The day may come when you cannot see over the barrier, let alone climb the wall.

Take time to hear as many “sides” to every story. Don’t rush to judgment. There are usually 7, 8, even 10 sides to every story. Hear them all. Things are often not as they appear. Listeners take all the time needed to hear things out.

As far as you’re capable, go back and make right where you have failed. Often, this may be impossible.  Make a list of your regrets,  determine never to move in those directions again. Learn, recover, learn recover. 

Even if it’s not in your usual habit, try to talk more to people you care about about the things you care about. Don’t rehash hobby horses. Let people into unexpressed parts of your thinking.

Notice your indifference. This is where you’ve been unmoved, unaffected, by things that ought to move everybody, ought to affect everybody. Allow the world about you, near and afar, to have its impact on you. 

One corner of my home office……. you’re welcome here.

2 Comments to “How to be human”

  1. Unknown's avatar

    Another brilliant insight, thanks Rod 👏🏻🌻🥰

  2. Unknown's avatar

    After many years of doing the “right and responsible” things, I was desperate to find answers for my longings. I thought that if I could just get the proper answers, I would be satisfied. The light God brought into my life when I became a Christian….was the starting point (circa 1973). Fast forward…after 53 years of life….of raising a family, serving in ministry, I have more questions now than ever before…..and that’s ok. I am realizing that answers is not what I really need. This personal relationship with my Father is enough. Not answers, but an intimate relationship with the creator of all things…who knows me and accepts me as I am, without conditions. If I have anything worthwhile to offer, it is this: don’t struggle to know all the answers, even the theological ones…get to know the God who gave you life and is faithful to guide onto the path towards your wholeness in Christ. Not theology, but the reward of an intimate relationship with Him….based on your sustained pursuit of Him in prayer , intercession and the study of His words. DE

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